Letter: Punishment for Huizenga

This is a response to Roger Beute's letter ("Don't end deputy's career," Pulse, April 12). Mr. Beute states the accidental shooting of Derek Copp by Deputy Ryan Huizenga does not warrant a possible career-ending decision as punishment for the mistake. An officer who cannot effectively control his firearm is a dangerous addition to any raid team or police force.

There was apparently no indication that Derek Copp was armed or violent. While officers need to be prepared for every eventuality in such an incursion, there was no reason for his finger to be putting pressure on his pistol's trigger while the gun was aimed at an unarmed person. If this happened to an ordinary citizen, there would likely have been more severe charges.

A possible end to a career would not be the most serious problem an average person would face in this circumstance. A fitting punishment would be for the deputy to at least pay the medical bills for Derek Copp if he is allowed to keep his job.

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